U.S. patent application number 17/327208 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-27 for light-emitting assembly, method for making same, and electronic device using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is GENERAL INTERFACE SOLUTION LIMITED, INTERFACE OPTOELECTRONICS (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., Interface Technology (ChengDu) Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to TEN-HSING JAW, I-CHANG KUAN, HAN-LUNG TSAI.
Application Number | 20220029062 17/327208 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-01-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220029062 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TSAI; HAN-LUNG ; et
al. |
January 27, 2022 |
LIGHT-EMITTING ASSEMBLY, METHOD FOR MAKING SAME, AND ELECTRONIC
DEVICE USING SAME
Abstract
A light-emitting assembly with improved illumination includes a
first substrate, a light guide layer, light emitters, a touch
sensor, a first reflective layer, and a second reflective layer.
The first substrate defines a light-transmitting area. The light
emitters are in the light guide layer. The light emitters emit
light to illuminate the light-transmitting area. The touch sensor
is opposite to the light-transmitting area. The first reflective
layer is between the first substrate and the light guide layer and
defines an opening aligned with the light-transmitting area. The
second reflective layer is on a side of the light guide layer away
from the first substrate. An electronic device using the
light-emitting assembly and a method for making the light-emitting
assembly are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
TSAI; HAN-LUNG; (Hsinchu,
TW) ; KUAN; I-CHANG; (Zhunan, TW) ; JAW;
TEN-HSING; (Zhubei, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Interface Technology (ChengDu) Co., Ltd.
INTERFACE OPTOELECTRONICS (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
GENERAL INTERFACE SOLUTION LIMITED |
ChengDu
Shenzhen
Zhunan |
|
CN
CN
CN |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/327208 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2021 |
International
Class: |
H01L 33/46 20060101
H01L033/46; H01L 33/60 20060101 H01L033/60; H01L 33/00 20060101
H01L033/00; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 24, 2020 |
CN |
202010723138.X |
Claims
1. A light-emitting assembly, comprising: a first substrate
defining a light-transmitting area, and a first surface configured
for receiving touches; a light guide layer on a side of the first
substrate away from the first surface; a plurality of light
emitters in the light guide layer, the plurality of light emitters
being configured to project light to illuminate the
light-transmitting area; a touch sensor in the light guide layer
and opposite to the light-transmitting area; a first reflective
layer between the first substrate and the light guide layer, the
first reflective layer comprising an opening aligned with the
light-transmitting area; and a second reflective layer on a side of
the light guide layer away from the first substrate.
2. The light-emitting assembly of claim 1, further comprising
diffusion particles distributed in the light guide layer.
3. The light-emitting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
diffusion layer configured to diffuse and homogenize light emitted
by the plurality of light emitters, wherein the diffusion layer is
on a side of the first reflective layer away from the first
substrate, or the diffusion layer is on a side of the second
reflective layer adjacent to the light guide layer, or the
diffusion layer is on a side of the first reflective layer away
from the first substrate and on a side of the second reflective
layer adjacent to the light guide layer.
4. The light-emitting assembly of claim 1, further comprising an
array of light guide dots opposite to the light-transmitting area,
wherein the array of light guide dots is configured to change a
transmission direction of the light emitted by the plurality of
light emitters in the light guide layer.
5. The light-emitting assembly of claim 4, wherein the array of
light guide dots is between the first substrate and the light guide
layer and in the opening, or the array of light guide dots is on a
side of the second reflective layer adjacent to the light guide
layer.
6. The light-emitting assembly of claim 1, further comprising an
opaque light-shielding layer between the first substrate and the
first reflective layer, wherein the light-shielding layer defines a
hole facing the light-transmitting area, the hole is aligned with
and in communicating with the opening to define a passage for the
light emitted by the plurality of light emitters.
7. The light-emitting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
transparent insulating layer between the first reflective layer and
the light guide layer, wherein a material of the first reflective
layer is metal, the plurality of light emitters and the touch
sensor are on the transparent insulating layer and covered by the
light guide layer.
8. The light-emitting assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
second substrate opposite to the first substrate and on a side of
the light guide layer away from the first substrate, wherein the
second reflective layer is on a side of the second substrate away
from or adjacent to the first substrate.
9. The light-emitting assembly of claim 8, further comprising a
transparent insulating layer between the light guide layer and the
second reflective layer, wherein the second reflective layer is on
a side of the second substrate adjacent to the first substrate, a
material of the second reflective layer is metal, the plurality of
light emitters and the touch sensor are on the transparent
insulating layer and covered by the light guide layer.
10. The light-emitting assembly of claim 8, wherein the second
reflective layer is on a side of the second substrate away from the
first substrate, the second substrate is transparent, the plurality
of light emitters and the touch sensor are on the second substrate,
the light guide layer covers the second substrate, the plurality of
light emitters and the first reflective layer.
11. The light-emitting assembly of claim 8, wherein the plurality
of light emitters is on a side of the light guide layer adjacent to
the first substrate, and the touch sensor is on a side of the light
guide layer adjacent to the second substrate; or the plurality of
light emitters is on a side of the light guide layer adjacent to
the second substrate, and the touch sensor is on a side of the
light guide layer adjacent to the first substrate.
12. A method for making a light-emitting assembly, comprising:
providing a first substrate defining a light-transmitting area;
forming a first reflective layer on a side of the first substrate,
the first reflective layer defining an opening aligned with the
light-transmitting area; forming a plurality of light emitters on a
side of the first reflective layer away from the first substrate;
forming a light guide layer covering the first reflective layer and
the plurality of light emitters; and forming a second reflective
layer on a side of the light guide layer away from the first
substrate.
13. The method for making the light-emitting assembly of claim 12,
before forming the first reflective layer, further comprising
printing opaque ink on the first substrate to form a
light-shielding layer and printing transparent ink on the first
substrate, wherein the light-shielding layer defines a hole aligned
with and in communicating with the opening, and the transparent ink
is in the hole.
14. An electronic device, comprising: a main body, and a
light-emitting assembly on the main body comprising: a first
substrate defining a light-transmitting area, the first substrate
having a first surface configured for receiving touches; a light
guide layer on a side of the first substrate away from the first
surface; a plurality of light emitters in the light guide layer,
the plurality of light emitters being configured to project light
to illuminate the light-transmitting area; a touch sensor facing
the light-transmitting area and on a side of the first substrate
away from the first surface; a first reflective layer between the
first substrate and the light guide layer, the first reflective
layer defining an opening aligned with the light-transmitting area;
and a second reflective layer on a side of the light guide layer
away from the first substrate.
15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the light-emitting
assembly further comprises diffusion particles distributed in the
light guide layer.
16. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the light-emitting
assembly further comprises a diffusion layer configured to diffuse
and homogenize light emitted by the plurality of light emitters,
wherein the diffusion layer is on a side of the first reflective
layer away from the first substrate, or the diffusion layer is on a
side of the second reflective layer adjacent to the light guide
layer, or the diffusion layer is on a side of the first reflective
layer away from the first substrate and on a side of the second
reflective layer adjacent to the light guide layer.
17. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the light-emitting
assembly further comprises an array of light guide dots opposite to
the light-transmitting area, wherein the array of light guide dots
is configured to change a transmission direction of the light
emitted by the plurality of light emitters in the light guide
layer.
18. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the array of light
guide dots is between the first substrate and the light guide layer
and in the opening, or the array of light guide dots is on a side
of the second reflective layer adjacent to the light guide
layer.
19. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the light-emitting
assembly further comprises an opaque light-shielding layer between
the first substrate and the first reflective layer, wherein the
light-shielding layer defines a hole facing the light-transmitting
area, the hole is aligned with and in communicating with the
opening to define a passage for the light emitted by the plurality
of light emitters.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The subject matter herein generally relates to displays,
specifically a light-emitting assembly, a method for making the
light-emitting assembly, and an electronic device using the
light-emitting assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a light-emitting assembly includes a substrate
defining a light-transmitting area and light-emitting elements
(e.g., LEDs) under the substrate and surround the
light-transmitting area. The light-emitting elements project light
to illuminate the light-transmitting area. However, the
light-emitting elements are suspended in air, the light emitted by
the light-emitting elements is dispersed and lost all around, so
that the light emitted by the light-emitting elements cannot
completely cover the light-transmitting area.
[0003] Therefore, there is room for improvement in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Implementations of the present disclosure will now be
described, by way of embodiments, with reference to the attached
figures.
[0005] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting
assembly according to a first embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0006] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment
of the light-emitting assembly in FIG. 1A.
[0007] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting
assembly according to a second embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment
of the light-emitting assembly in FIG. 2A.
[0009] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting
assembly according to a third embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment
of the light-emitting assembly in FIG. 3A.
[0011] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting
assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment
of the light-emitting assembly in FIG. 4A.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a light-emitting range
of light emitted by the light emitters after passing through the
hole according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting
assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment
of the light-emitting assembly in FIG. 6A.
[0016] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting
assembly according to a sixth embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment
of the light-emitting assembly in FIG. 7A.
[0018] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting
assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment
of the light-emitting assembly in FIG. 8A.
[0020] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting
assembly according to an eighth embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment
of the light-emitting assembly in FIG. 9A.
[0022] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting
assembly according to a ninth embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting
assembly in FIG. 10A.
[0024] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting
assembly according to a tenth embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of a light-emitting
assembly in FIG. 11A.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for making a
light-emitting assembly according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a structural diagram of an electronic device
using the light-emitting assembly according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been
repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or
analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set
forth to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary
embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art that the exemplary embodiments
described herein may be practiced without these specific details.
In other instances, methods, procedures, and components have not
been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant
feature being described. Also, the description is not to be
considered as limiting the scope of the exemplary embodiments
described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the
proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better
illustrate details and features of the present disclosure.
[0029] The term "comprising" when utilized, means "including, but
not necessarily limited to"; it specifically indicates open-ended
inclusion or membership in the so-described combination, group,
series, and the like. The disclosure is illustrated by way of
example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the
accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar
elements. It should be noted that references to "an" or "one"
embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same
embodiment, and such references can mean "at least one".
First Embodiment
[0030] FIG. 1A shows a light-emitting assembly 100 according to the
first embodiment. The light emitting assembly 100 includes a first
substrate 1, a light guide layer 2, a plurality of light emitters
3, a touch sensor 4, a light-shielding layer 5, a first reflective
layer 8 and a second reflective layer 10. The first substrate 1 is
made of a light-transmitting material. The first substrate 1
defines a light-transmitting area TA to allow light to pass
through. The first substrate 1 defines a first surface 1a
configured for receiving touches. That is, the first surface 111 is
a pressure-sensitive interface, which can be pressed by a user. The
light guide layer 2 is a side of the first substrate 1 away from
the first surface 1a. The light emitters 3 are in the light guide
layer 2. The light emitters 3 project light to pass through and
illuminate the light-transmitting area TA. The first reflective
layer 8 is between the first substrate 1 and the light guide layer
2. The first reflective layer 8 defines an opening 7 aligned with
the light-transmitting area TA. The light-shielding layer 5 is
between the first substrate 1 and the first reflective layer 8. The
light-shielding layer 5 includes a hole 6 facing the
light-transmitting area TA. The hole 6 is aligned with and in
communicating with the opening 7 to define a passage for the light
emitted by the light emitters 3. The second reflective layer 10 is
on a side of the light guide layer 2 away from the first substrate
1. A shape of the hole 6 defines a function icon associated with a
function. The light emitters 3 project light to illuminate the
function icon. The function icon may be a symbol that refers to a
certain function.
[0031] The touch sensor 4 is in the light guide layer 2 and
opposite to the light-transmitting area TA. When the first
substrate 1 is pressed, the touch sensor 4 can sense whether there
is an external force to touch the first surface 1a of the first
substrate 1. The hole 6, the opening 7 and the light-transmitting
area TA are aligned with each other, and the light emitted by the
light emitters 3 passes through the opening 7, the hole 6 and the
light-transmitting area TA and leaves the light-emitting assembly
100. Thus, the light emitted by the light emitters 3 passes through
the light-transmitting area TA to indicate and guide the user to
press the position of the first surface 111 of the first substrate
11 corresponding to the touch sensor 4. Thereby, when the pressing
force is greater than a specific value, the function associated
with the function icon is executed. In other embodiments, the light
emitters 3 can be activated after the user presses the
light-transmitting area TA, and the emitted light, illuminating the
light-transmitting area TA, can indicate a successful press. The
light-emitting assembly 100 can be a button.
[0032] In one embodiment, a material of the first substrate 1 may
be, but is not limited to, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA),
polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), Copolymer of methyl
methacrylate and styrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or
glass.
[0033] In one embodiment, each light emitter 3 is a side-emitting
light-emitting diode (LED). The arrow in FIG. 1A shows the
direction of light emitted by the LED.
[0034] In one embodiment, the first reflective layer 8 is made of
metal. The light-emitting assembly 100 further includes a
transparent insulating layer 9 between the first reflective layer 8
and the light guide layer 2. The transparent insulating layer 9
covers the first reflective layer 8 and may fill the opening 7 or
fill both the opening 7 and the hole 6. The light emitters 3 and
the touch sensor 4 are on a side of the transparent insulating
layer 9 away from the first substrate 1 and covered by the light
guide layer 2.
[0035] In one embodiment, the first substrate 1 is transparent, the
light-shielding layer 5 is opaque. The opening 6 corresponding to
the light-transmitting area TA is filled with transparent material.
For example, the light shielding layer 5 is an opaque ink formed on
the first substrate 1 through a process such as printing or
coating. The hole 6 is filled with the same transparent material as
the first substrate 1 or printed with transparent ink of colors
(for example, red, green, and blue), or filled with a transparent
insulating layer 9, or filled with air. A material of the
light-shielding layer 5 is opaque ink.
[0036] In one embodiment, the light-emitting assembly further
includes traces (not shown) on the transparent insulating layer 9
and embedded in the light guide layer 2. The light emitters 3 can
be, but are not limited to, electrically connected to a flexible
circuit board (FPC) by the traces.
[0037] In one embodiment, the light guide layer 2 is configured to
guide the light emitted by the light emitters 3 and is made of
resin. For example, a material of the light guide layer 2 may be,
but is not limited to, PMMA, PS, PC, or Diallyl 2,2'-oxydiethyl
dicarbonate (CAS). The light emitters 3 are in the light guide
layer 2 instead of being suspended in air. Thereby, the light
emitted by the light emitters 3 is not dispersed and lost all
around, a thickness of the light-emitting assembly is reduced. The
light emitted by the light emitters 3 passes through the light
guide layer 2, reaches the first reflective layer 8 or the second
reflective layer 10, and is reflected by the first reflective layer
8 or the second reflective layer 10. Thereby, the propagation
direction of the light emitted by the light emitters 3 is changed,
so that more of the light emitted by the light emitters 3 can pass
through the light-transmitting area TA defined by the hole 6, and a
light emitting range of the light-emitting assembly 100 is
expanded.
Second Embodiment
[0038] FIG. 2A shows a light-emitting assembly 101 according to a
second embodiment. The difference between the light-emitting
assembly 101 and the light-emitting assembly 100 is that the
light-emitting assembly 101 further includes diffusion particles 12
distributed in the light guide layer 2. In one embodiment, the
diameter of each diffusion particle 12 is greater than or equal to
2 .mu.m and less than or equal to 16 The diffusion particles 12 can
effectively improve the uniformity of the light emitted by the
light emitters 3.
Third Embodiment
[0039] FIG. 3A shows a light-emitting assembly 102 according to a
third embodiment. The difference between the light-emitting
assembly 102 and the light-emitting assembly 100 is that the
light-emitting assembly 102 further includes an array of light
guide dots 11 opposite to the light-transmitting area TA. The array
of light guide dots 11 changes a transmission direction of the
light emitted by the light emitters 3 in the light guide layer 2.
In the light-emitting assembly 102, the array of light guide dots
11 is between the first substrate 1 and the light guide layer 2 and
in the opening 7. The transparent insulating layer 9 covers the
array of light guide dots 11 and the first reflective layer 8.
[0040] The array of light guide dots 11 of the light-emitting
assembly 102 can further improve the light utilization rate of the
light emitters 3, so that more light emitted by the light emitters
3 can pass through the hole 6 (i.e., the light-transmitting area
TA). If the light emitted by the light emitters 3 is totally
reflected in the light guide layer 2, the light cannot be
transmitted to the hole 6 (i.e., the light-transmitting area TA).
In the light-emitting assembly 102, the array of light guide dots
11 can change the propagation direction of the emitted light of the
light emitters 3 for total reflection, so that more of the emitted
light of the light emitters 3 can pass through the hole 6.
Therefore, the utilization rate of the light-emitting assembly 102
is further increased and the light-emitting range of the
light-emitting assembly 102 is enlarged.
Fourth Embodiment
[0041] FIG. 4A shows a light emitting component 103 according to a
fourth embodiment. The difference between the light-emitting
assembly 103 and the light-emitting assembly 102 is that the
light-emitting assembly 103 further includes diffusion particles 12
distributed in the light guide layer 2. The diffusion particles 12
can effectively improve the uniformity of the light emitted by the
light emitters 3.
Modified Embodiments According to the First to Fourth
Embodiments
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1B, 2B, 3B, in modified embodiments
according to the first to fourth embodiments, each of the
light-emitting assemblies 100, 101, 102, and 103 can further
include two diffusion layers 14. One of the diffusion layers 14 is
on a side of the first reflective layer 8 away from the first
substrate 1 and the other of the diffusion layers 14 is on a side
of the second reflective layer 10 adjacent to the light guide layer
2. Alternatively, in other modified embodiments according to the
first to fourth embodiments, each of the light-emitting assemblies
100, 101, 102, and 103 may include only one diffusion layer 14. The
only one diffusion layer 14 is on a side of the first reflective
layer 8 away from the first substrate 1 or is on a side of the
second reflective layer 10 adjacent to the light guide layer 2. The
diffusion layer 14 is beneficial to diffuse and homogenize light
emitted by the light emitters 3.
[0043] The light-emitting assembly including the light guide layer
2, the first reflective layer 8, the second reflective layer 10,
the array of light guide dots 11, and the diffusion layer 14 can
effectively improve the uniformity and utilization of the light
emitted by light emitters 3, thereby increasing the range of the
light emitted by the light emitters 3 to the hole 6. The light
emitted by the light emitters 3 completely covers and illuminates
the function icon, as shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, a shaded area
with diagonal lines represents the light-emitting range of the
light-emitting element 3 at the hole 6. A shape of the
light-emitting range of the light emitters 3 is not limited to that
shown in FIG. 5, and it changes with the shape of the function icon
defined by the hole 6.
[0044] In other embodiments, the first reflective layer 8 is made
of a non-metallic material, and the transparent insulating layer 9
in the light-emitting assemblies 100, 101, 102, and 103 can be
omitted. For example, the first reflective layer 8 may be ink,
which can be printed on the light-shielding layer 5.
Fifth Embodiment
[0045] FIG. 6A shows a light-emitting assembly 104 according to a
fifth embodiment. The difference between the light-emitting
assembly 104 and the light-emitting assembly 100 is that the
light-emitting assembly 104 further includes a second substrate 13
opposite to the first substrate 1. The second substrate 13 is on a
side of the light guide layer 2 away from the first substrate 1,
and the second reflective layer 10 is on a side of the second
substrate 13 adjacent to the first substrate 1. In the
light-emitting assembly 100, the transparent insulating layer 9 is
between the first reflective layer 8 and the light guide layer 2.
While in the light-emitting assembly 104, the transparent
insulating layer 9 is between the second reflective layer 10 and
the light guide layer 2.
[0046] In the light-emitting assembly 104, the light emitters 3 and
the touch sensor 4 are on the transparent insulating layer 9, and
the light guide layer 2 covers the light emitters 3, the touch
sensor 4, the first reflective layer 8, the transparent insulating
layer 9, and fills into the opening 7.
[0047] The light emitted by the light emitters 3 passes through the
light guide layer 2, reaches the first reflective layer 8 or the
second reflective layer 10, and is reflected by the first
reflective layer 8 or the second reflective layer 10. Thereby, the
propagation direction of the light emitted by the light emitters 3
is changed, so that more of the light emitted by the light emitters
3 can pass through the light-transmitting area TA defined by the
hole 6, and a light emitting range of the light-emitting assembly
100 is expanded.
Sixth Embodiment
[0048] FIG. 7A shows a light-emitting assembly 105 according to a
sixth embodiment. the light-emitting assembly 104 according to the
fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. The difference between
the light-emitting assembly 105 and the light-emitting assembly 104
is that the light-emitting assembly 105 further includes an array
of light guide dots 11 opposite to the light-transmitting area TA.
The array of light guide dots 11 changes a transmission direction
of the light emitted by the light emitters 3 in the light guide
layer 2. In the light-emitting assembly 105, the array of light
guide dots 11 is on a side of the second reflective layer 10
adjacent to the light guide layer 2, and the transparent insulating
layer 9 covers the array of light guide dots 11. The light-emitting
assembly 105 further includes diffusion particles 12 distributed in
the light guide layer 2. The diffusion particles 12 can effectively
improve the uniformity of the light emitted by the light emitters
3.
Seventh Embodiment
[0049] FIG. 8A shows a light-emitting assembly 106 according to a
seventh embodiment. The difference between the light-emitting
assembly 106 and the light-emitting assembly 104 is that the
light-emitting assembly 106 further includes an array of light
guide dots 11 opposite to the light-transmitting area TA. The array
of light guide dots 11 changes a transmission direction of the
light emitted by the light emitters 3 in the light guide layer 2.
The array of light guide dots 11 is between the first substrate 1
and the light guide layer 2 and in the opening 7. The light guide
layer 2 covers the first reflective layer 8 and the array of light
guide dots 11.
[0050] the light-emitting assembly 106 further includes diffusion
particles 12 distributed in the light guide layer 2.
[0051] The diffusion particles 12 can effectively improve the
uniformity of the light emitted by the light emitters 3.
[0052] The array of light guide dots 11 of the light-emitting
assemblies 105 and 106 can further improve the utilization rate of
the emitted light of the light emitters 3, so that more the light
emitted by the light emitters 3 can pass through the hole 6. If the
light emitted by the light emitters 3 is totally reflected in the
light guide layer 2, the light cannot be transmitted to the hole 6
(i.e., the light-transmitting area TA). In the light-emitting
assembly 102, the array of light guide dots 11 can change the
propagation direction of the emitted light of the light emitters 3
for total reflection, so that more of the emitted light of the
light emitters 3 can pass through the hole 6. Therefore, the
utilization rate of the light-emitting assemblies 105 and 106 is
further increased and the light-emitting range of the
light-emitting assembly 102 is enlarged.
Modified Embodiments According to the Fifth to Seventh
Embodiments
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 6B, 7B, 8B, in modified embodiments
according to the fifth to seventh embodiments, each of the
light-emitting assemblies 104, 105, and 106 can further include two
diffusion layers 14. One of the diffusion layers 14 is on a side of
the first reflective layer 8 away from the first substrate 1 and
the other of the diffusion layers 14 is on a side of the second
reflective layer 10 adjacent to the light guide layer 2.
Alternatively, in other modified embodiments according to the fifth
to seventh embodiments, each of the light-emitting assemblies 104,
105, and 106 may include only one diffusion layer 14. The only one
diffusion layer 14 is on a side of the first reflective layer 8
away from the first substrate 1 or is on a side of the second
reflective layer 10 adjacent to the light guide layer 2. The
diffusion layer 14 is beneficial to diffuse and homogenize light
emitted by the light emitters 3.
[0054] The light-emitting assembly including the light guide layer
2, the first reflective layer 8, the second reflective layer 10,
the array of light guide dots 11, and the diffusion layer 14 can
effectively improve the uniformity and utilization of the light
emitted by light emitters 3, thereby increasing the range of the
light emitted by the light emitters 3 to the hole 6. The light
emitted by the light emitters 3 completely covers and illuminates
the function icon, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0055] In other embodiments, the second reflective layer 10 is made
of a non-metallic material, and the transparent insulating layer 9
in the light-emitting assemblies 104, 105, and 106 can be omitted.
For example, the second reflective layer 10 may be ink, which can
be printed on the second substrate 13.
Eighth Embodiment
[0056] FIG. 9A shows a light-emitting assembly 107 according to an
eighth embodiment. The difference between the light-emitting
assembly 107 and the light-emitting assembly 100 is that the
light-emitting assembly 107 further includes a second substrate 13
opposite to the first substrate 1. The second substrate 13 is on a
side of the light guide layer 2 away from the first substrate 1,
and the second reflective layer 10 is on a side of the second
substrate 13 away from the first substrate 1. The light-emitting
assembly 100 includes a transparent insulating layer 9, while the
light-emitting assembly 106 has no transparent insulating layer. In
the light-emitting assembly 100, the light emitters 3 and the touch
sensor 4 are on the transparent insulating layer 9, while in the
light-emitting assembly 107, the light emitters 3 and the touch
sensor 4 are on the second substrate 13, the light guide layer 2
covers the first reflective layer 8, the light emitters 3, the
touch sensor 4 and the second substrate 13, and fills into the
opening 7.
[0057] In the light-emitting assembly 107, the second substrate 13
is transparent.
[0058] The light emitted by the light emitters 3 passes through the
light guide layer 2, reaches the first reflective layer 8 or the
second reflective layer 10, and is reflected by the first
reflective layer 8 or the second reflective layer 10. Thereby, the
propagation direction of the light emitted by the light emitters 3
is changed, so that more of the light emitted by the light emitters
3 can pass through the light-transmitting area TA defined by the
hole 6, and a light emitting range of the light-emitting assembly
107 is expanded.
Ninth Embodiment
[0059] FIG. 10A shows a light-emitting assembly 108 according to a
ninth embodiment. The difference between the light-emitting
assembly 108 and the light-emitting assembly 107 is that the
light-emitting assembly 108 further includes an array of light
guide dots 11 opposite to the light-transmitting area TA. The array
of light guide dots 11 changes a transmission direction of the
light emitted by the light emitters 3 in the light guide layer 2.
The array of light guide dots 11 is on a side of the second
reflective layer 10 adjacent to the light guide layer 2. The array
of light guide dots 11 is on a side of the second substrate 13 away
from the first substrate 1, and the second reflective layer 10
covers the array of light guide dots 11. The light-emitting
assembly 108 further includes diffusion particles 12 distributed in
the light guide layer 2. The diffusion particles 12 can effectively
improve the uniformity of the light emitted by the light emitters
3.
Tenth Embodiment
[0060] FIG. 11A shows a light-emitting assembly 109 according to a
tenth embodiment. The difference between the light-emitting
assembly 109 and the light-emitting assembly 107 is that the
light-emitting assembly 109 further includes an array of light
guide dots 11 opposite to the light-transmitting area TA (i.e., the
hole 6). The array of light guide dots 11 changes a transmission
direction of the light emitted by the light emitters 3 in the light
guide layer 2. In the light-emitting assembly 109, the array of
light guide dots 11 is between the first substrate 1 and the light
guide layer 2 and in the opening 7. The light guide layer 2 covers
the first reflective layer 8 and the array of light guide dots 11
and fills into the opening 7.
[0061] The light-emitting assembly 109 further includes diffusion
particles 12 distributed in the light guide layer 2. The diffusion
particles 12 can effectively improve the uniformity of the light
emitted by the light emitters 3.
[0062] The array of light guide dots 11 of the light-emitting
assemblies 108 and 109 can further increase the utilization rate of
the light emitted by the light emitters 3, so that more light
emitted by the light emitters 3 can pass through the hole 6. If the
light emitted by the light emitters 3 is totally reflected in the
light guide layer 2, the light cannot be transmitted to the hole 6
(i.e., the light-transmitting area TA). In the light-emitting
assemblies 108 and 109, the array of light guide dots 11 can change
the propagation direction of the emitted light of the light
emitters 3 for total reflection, so that more of the emitted light
of the light emitters 3 can pass through the hole 6. Therefore, the
utilization rate of the light-emitting assemblies 105 and 106 is
further increased and the light-emitting range of the
light-emitting assembly 102 is enlarged.
Modified Embodiments According to the Eighth to Tenth
Embodiments
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 9B, 10B, and 11B, in modified embodiments
according to the eighth to tenth embodiments, each of the
light-emitting assemblies 107, 108, and 109 can further include two
diffusion layers 14. One of the diffusion layers 14 is on a side of
the first reflective layer 8 away from the first substrate 1 and
the other of the diffusion layers 14 is on a side of the second
reflective layer 10 adjacent to the light guide layer 2.
Alternatively, in other modified embodiments according to the
eighth to tenth embodiments, each of the light-emitting assemblies
107, 108, and 109 may include only one diffusion layer 14. The only
one diffusion layer 14 is on a side of the first reflective layer 8
away from the first substrate 1 or is on a side of the second
reflective layer 10 adjacent to the light guide layer 2. The
diffusion layer 14 is beneficial to diffuse and homogenize light
emitted by the light emitters 3.
[0064] The light-emitting assembly including the light guide layer
2, the first reflective layer 8, the second reflective layer 10,
the array of light guide dots 11, and the diffusion layer 14 can
effectively improve the uniformity and utilization of the light
emitted by light emitters 3, thereby increasing the range of the
light emitted by the light emitters 3 to the hole 6. The light
emitted by the light emitters 3 completely covers and illuminates
the function icon, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0065] In other modified embodiments according to the eighth
embodiment to the tenth embodiment, the light-emitting assemblies
107, 108, and 109, the light emitters 3 are on a side of the light
guide layer 2 adjacent to the first substrate 1, and the touch
sensor 4 is on a side of the light guide layer 2 adjacent to the
second substrate 13. Alternatively, the light emitters 3 are on a
side of the light guide layer 2 adjacent to the second substrate
13, and the touch sensor 4 is on a side of the light guide layer 2
adjacent to the first substrate 1.
[0066] In one embodiment, each of the light-emitting assemblies 100
to 109 further includes a circuit board at least partially in the
light guide layer 2. The light emitters 3 and the touch sensor 4
are on the circuit board. Electronic elements on the circuit board
are not limited to the light emitters 3 and the touch sensor 4. The
circuit board can be a printed circuit board (PCB).
[0067] In one embodiment, the light emitters 3 can be LEDs. Each
LED can be a side-emitting LED or a front-emitting LED. The number
and distribution of the light emitters 3 are not limited to FIGS.
1A through 4B and FIGS. 6A through 11B, which can be adjusted
according to the actual needs.
[0068] In other embodiments, the first substrate 1 defines a
light-transmitting area TA, the opening 7 is aligned with the
light-transmitting area TA, and the touch sensor 4 faces the
light-transmitting area TA. The array of light guide dots 11 is
opposite to the light-transmitting area TA. The light-transmitting
area TA of the first substrate 1 is made of transparent material,
and other areas of the first substrate 1 are made of opaque
material. The light-shielding layer 5 is omitted. The
light-transmitting area TA can allow the light emitted by the light
emitters 3 to pass through.
[0069] In other embodiments, the first reflective layer 8, the
second reflective layer 10, the array of light guide dots 11, the
diffusion particles 12, and the diffusion layer 14 can be used in
combination in other ways.
[0070] FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a method for making a
light-emitting assembly according to an embodiment. The example
method is provided by way of example, as there are a variety of
ways to carry out the method. The method described below can be
carried out using the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1A
through 4B and FIGS. 6A through 11B, for example, and various
elements of these figures are referenced in explaining the example
method. Each block shown in FIG. 12 represents one or more
processes, methods, or subroutines carried out in the example
method. Furthermore, the illustrated order of blocks is by example
only, and the order of the blocks can be changed. Additional blocks
can be added, or fewer blocks can be utilized, without departing
from this disclosure. The example method can begin at block 51.
[0071] Block 51: a first substrate is provided.
[0072] Block S2: a light-shielding layer is formed on the first
substrate.
[0073] In one embodiment, Block S2 includes printing opaque ink on
the first substrate 1 to form the light-shielding layer. The opaque
ink defines a hole 6. The Block S2 further includes printing
transparent ink in the first substrate 1 and in the hole 6.
[0074] Block S3: a first reflective layer on a side of the first
substrate is formed.
[0075] In one embodiment, the Block S3 includes spraying a
reflective material on a side of the light-shielding layer 5 away
from the first substrate 1 to form a first reflective layer 8. The
first reflective layer 8 defines an opening 7. The opening 7 is
aligned with and in communicating with the hole 6.
[0076] Block S4: a plurality of light emitters on a side of the
first reflective layer away from the first substrate is formed.
[0077] In one embodiment, the light emitters 3 are formed by
surface mount technology (SMT).
[0078] Block S5: a light guide layer covering the first reflective
layer and the light emitters 3 is formed.
[0079] Block S6: a second reflective layer on a side of the light
guide layer away from the first substrate is formed.
[0080] In one embodiment, after the opening 7 is formed, a light
guide ink is printed on the first substrate 1 and in the opening 7
to form an array of light guide dots 11.
[0081] In one embodiment, the first substrate 1 defines a
light-transmitting area TA. The light-transmitting area TA of the
first substrate 1 is made of light-transmitting materials, and
other areas of the first substrate 1 are made of opaque materials,
the step of forming the light-shielding layer is omitted, the
opening 7 is aligned with the light-transmitting area TA.
[0082] FIG. 13 shows an electronic device 200. The electronic
device 200 includes a main body 201 and the light-emitting assembly
100 (or 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 or 108) on the main body
201.
[0083] The electronic device 200 may be an electronic terminal
device, a vehicle, a refrigerator, a vehicle electronic device, a
vehicle dashboard, a vehicle exterior, a vehicle interior panel, a
vehicle door panels, lighting devices, furniture, architectural or
decorative elements, measuring devices, computer devices, smart
clothing (e.g., shirts, jackets or pants), other wearable
electronic devices (e.g., wristband devices, headwear or footwear),
multimedia devices, industrial machinery, controller devices,
personal communication devices (e.g., smart phones or tablet
computers), or other electronic devices.
* * * * *